Train-control apparatus and circuit arrangement



.Jan. 7, 1930.

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Patented Jan. 7, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FRANK J. SPRAGUE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.,

ASSIGNOR TO SPRAGUE SAFETY CONTROL AND SIGNAL CORPORATION, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF VIRGINIA TBAIN-CONTROLAPPARATUS AND CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT Original application "filed August 7, 1919, Serial No. 315,880, and in Canada December 29, 1915. Divided and this application filed May 10, 1927. Serial No. 190,322.

This application is filed as a division of my prior application filed August 7th, 1919, Serial No. 315,880 for method of and apparatus for control of train movements and the subject matter thereof forms a part of the apparatus discussed in the aforesaid prior application.

The purpose of my present invention is to provide a suitable impulse device on the track for influencing car carried apparatus for the initiation of automatic braking or for the resetting of car carried parts after such initiation. In presenting this feature of the present invention the subject will be presented on the assumption that the activity developed in car carried parts as a result of passing the track impulse device is for the purpose of initiating automatic braking, but it is to be understood that in thus presenting the invention no limitation isimposed upon the use to which the track impulse device is adapted or Train carried parts actuated from track instrumentalities for initiating and eifecting automatic braking are well known in the art and are not herein illustrated, as the present invention is independent of the particular method and apparatus by which the activity developed as a result of passing a track impulse device in brake applying condition is translated into automatic braking.

For convenience of understanding, however, reference may be had to Letters Patent No. 1,581,09 granted April 13, 1926, as a division of my prior application, Serial No. 87 9,939, filed December 31st, 1914. That patent illustrates means for eifecting an automatic service braking through the agency of standard Westinghouse equipment in which the engineers valve is placed in a non-charging position and automatic braking effected through the direct agency of said valve. Means for forestalling said automatic braking and for resetting the train carried con-f trol parts after an automatic braking are likewise illustrated in the said patent. It

must be understood however,-that reference herein to the said patent is purely for illustrative purposes and not in any way constituting a limitation upon the present invention.

While I have not shown herein any train carried automatic braking parts I have indicated diagrammatically a receiver carried by the locomotive for cooperation with the track impulse device, and to illustrate some method of utilization of the activity resulting from passing the track impulse device have shown a normally closed contact carried by said receiver to be opened when the track impulse device is in brake applying condition. This likewise, however, is not intended as a limitation.

The present divisional application also has for its purpose the provision of governing means for the track impulse device, whereby it isunder the control of track conditions. In illustrating this feature of the present application the impulse devices above referred to are diagrammatically illustrated as under the control of the track circuits. The gen eral scheme of track control forming a part of this application is however independent of any particular kind of track impulse device and no limitation upon this feature of the application is to be inferredfrom presenting it in connection with the particular l track impulse device above referred to.

In combining the track impulse device above referred to with the general scheme of track control I have herein for simplicity of showing illustrated a single track impulse device for each block. This likewise is not intended as a limitation. In carrying out this illustration I have shown a simple track layout, and also a more complicated one characteristic of a specific wayside signal layout, that known as the normally danger system, as installed on a railroad in which because of the shortness of blocks and high speed of trains of varied character satisfactory automatic braking for all classes of service cannot be assured when kept within the confines of a signal block, and where it is also desirable that the distance affected by such braking shall not be unnecessarily extended while improper brake applications must be guarded against.

Further objects of the invention will be apparent fromthe following description and claims.

'tion it'may be termed inactive. 'tant' andihome track relays HIBlIlCllOiLlJGCl dia- -grammatically and initialed D and H the track magnet illustrated as active.

Fig. (iisa view simiar to Fig. 5, but with the trackmanget illustratedas inactive.

Fig. 7 is a plot illustrative of the cycle resulting from'the energization and deenerglZfitlOIl of trackmagnets such as shown in Flgs. land 2.

:Fig. 'S'is a diagrammatic illustration show- 1ng conventionally asection of a rallroad,

with locomotives thereon, includingtwo full andtwopartial blocks and three-position arm wayside signals connected therewith and controlling the track impulse devices, one for each block. In 'this and in the following figures solid blackzindicates the stop condition of the -track impulse device for initiating automatic'brakmg in which condltlon 1t may be called active,.and'the showing in outline 1nd1catesthe proceed 'condltlon of 'the track impulse device which does not initiate automatic braking, in which condi- The disrc-spectively. The control of these track-relays is well known in the signal art and is not here illustrated. For purpose of uniformity the control may'ibe considered as that of a normal danger system, altho the signal and trackindication shown in this and the fo-llowingfigure would be the same with a normal clear signal system.

Fig. 9 1s a VlGWSlIIlll'fiI'iZO Fig. 8 except "that'the .rear one of .thetwo locomotives is shown advancing from one block into the next. a

Fig. 10 is 'anenlargement of the left hand portion of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is an enlargement of the left hand portion of Fig. 9.

:Figs. 12 to 1 1 are diagrammatic illustrations showing the proceed and stop conditions of' the track impulse devices with various conditions 'of locomotive-block occupancy.

.Figs. 15 to 17 are diagrammatic illustrations showing the proceed and stop conditions of the track impulse devices as thelocomotive passes from one block into another when there are two clear blocks ahead of it.

Figs. 18 to 28 are diagrammatic illustrations showing conventionally the correspondence of typical track impulse device and signal indications for varying track movements, on a railroad equipped with a normal danger system of automatic wayside signals and the rear guard overlap necessitated by short blocks and dense traffic. Each of the figures shows one long and two short blocks. and the ends of two other blocks, with one or two (and in one caseFig. 26three) locomotives, and illustrates the location and condition of the track impulse devices relative to the signal indications.

Figure 29 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the trafiic control of the coil 53. Figure 30 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the control of the distant relay D by the home relay H of the block in advance.

The preferred construction and form of track impulse device comprises thetrack application magnet shownin Figs. land 2. As there indicated, such a magnet consists, of; a plurality of permanently magnetized bars or plates, assembled in groups into two semicircular yokes 53, 53, disposedin a horizontal planes, the yokes having their like poles attached to and connected together by soft iron pole pieces 53, 53. Each of these pole pieces has projecting centrally therefrom .in the plane of the yokes, a stabilizing pole 53 and also has projecting from its upper face a working pole surmounted'by a flange 53 and surrounded by a neutralizing coil 53 The faces of the stabilizing poles are comparatively near to each other and have considerable area, their dimensions and those of the yokes being determined by 'certain known laws which govern the life of the mag-- netic assembly. By this arrangement there is established a magneto-motive force which at all timessends magneticlines of force across the space between the stabilizing poles, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Normally, also, a magnetic field exists above the working pole flanges, as shown in Fig. 5, the lines of force in which may be diverted to, or passed through, any other mass of iron in proximity thereto, as,-for example, the locomotive receiver shown in that figure.

' It will-be noted that by using the compound magnet herein described, the-creation of a magnetic field .above'the magnet is inherent in the-structure itself; that thecoils 53,53

*serve asa means for changing the characteristics of such field to indicate a safe condition; and that the stabilizing poles and'the .working poles are in the path of the magnetic flux created by the permanently magnetized yokes, and are also in the path ofcthe fiux created by the coils themselves.

While many other forms ofma'gnet assembly are possible, the one described is very compact and is of such shallow dimensions that it may be supported on'and spiked to the tops of-the ties, and whensozpositioned the tops of the working poles will be approximately in the plane of the tops of the traflic rails. They may also be easily protected by a casing of cement or enclosed in a non-magnetic box.

IVith the construction shown it is possible, by sending a current in the proper direction through the coilssurrounding the working poles, to diminish, completely neutralize, or actually reverse the magnetounotive force in such poles without destroying or materially affecting the magnetism of the yokes.

When the magneto-motive force is simply neutralized the magnetic field above the working poles of an application magnet disappears, as in Figs. 4 and 6, and it is a matter of indifference whether the receiver on the locomotive is above said magnet. In ordinary practice, however, exact neutralization would generally not occur, but with the actual receivers used if the field over the working poles is sufficiently weak it may be normal or reversed without creating a flux through the receiver sutficient to operate certain parts hereafter described. This very fact makes possible practical operation with a considerable variation in the current strength used in the neutralizing coils, whether such variation of current strength results from changes in the condition of the battery supply or in resistance of the lines due to temperature, sag or distance. Fig. 7 illustrates, from actual tests, the relative density, normal or reverse, of the free field existing above the working poles of an application track magnet in the absence of the locomotive receiver, when various strengths of neutralizing current are used. This density may run from a normal rep resented by, say, a unit 4 to a maximum'of 18 3 reversed (indicated by the ordinates), with a variation of current strength from 0 to 8 amperes (indicated by the abscissae) as is shown by the line Field strenght without extra coil, and its transferred continuation.

A peculiar thing of note .is that the neutralizing and reversing effect is a linear function of the strength of the current, and it has also been demonstrated by experiment that it matters little how a given total number of ampere-turns is distributed on the two work ing poles.

Fig. 7 further indicates by the line Recovery without extra coil, the density of the field above the working poles after reversal and upon the cessation of the neutralizing current.

It will be seen that up to a reversal represented by about 6 units the recovery of the normal free field is practically undisturbed,

but that as the reversal is increased in amount the recovery is not to full value.

By winding a small extra coil (indicated as 53 in Figs. 1 and 2) on the magnetized yokes,

either distributed along the yokes or local ized near their junction with the pole pieces, and including the coil in the circuit of the neutralizing coils, the degree of possible reversal with complete recovery of normal field when the current is broken can be more than doubled. The variation in density above the working poles with such a coil present is represented in Fig. 7 by the line Field strength with extra coil. In regular operation it has been found that since the reversal will :probably not exceed a quarter or a third of the unit of Fig. 7, the use of the extra coil is not needed, although if for any reason it were desired to reverse the fields to a material degree such a coil might be found" advisable. Such a coil can also be used to stiffen a weakened magnet, and may if desired be readily included in the track circuits by itself.

If with a normal working field ofa density equal to st units the receiver on the locomotive were adjusted so that it would not be operated by either a normal or reversed field of under say 1% units density there could be an extreme variation of neutralizing current of 100 per cent, an amount outside of reasonable probability.

As indicated in the preceding description, a receiver 55 is illustrated for cooperation with the track impulse device, one receiver to be mounted on each locomotive. The receiver illustrated consists of two fiat pieces 55, 55 of soft iron, slotted to break up eddy currents and so disposed in the same horizontal plane that the two pieces of each receiver will simultaneously cover, respectively, the two working poles of the track magnet with which it is desired that the receiver cooperatewhen brought thereover bythe travel of the locomotive. In Figs. 3 to 6 these two pieces are shown as magnetically separated from each other and supported in any convenient manner, one method of so doing being to at tach them to the lower side of an insulating slab 55", supported by suitable brackets 55, 55 from the frame of the locomotive, in such a position that the pieces are carried at a suitable distance above the top of the working poles of the track magnets. In practice, good results have been obtained with distances up to eight inches, although three and one half inches afford sufiicient clearance. The two pieces, therefore, constitute a collector for the magnetic flux due to an active track magnet.

As shown in Fig. 3, the soft iron pieces have their adjacent sides formed into horns 55 55 located below a hole formed in the block 55 The magnetic reluctance of the collector so formed is therefore localized at the gap. In the gap between the horns is a soft iron, non-polarized armature 55 pivoted to one horn and normally held away When, however, the two pieces on the same receiver are simultaneously over the opposite poles of an active track magnet the magnetic lines of force existing thereover will be concentrated by the horns, and this will tend to draw the free end of the armature against its corresponding horn and will open the back contact.

Many refinements and also modifications are possible in the constructon and grouping of the receiver parts, and means may be pro vided to protect the receiver from injury and interference.

The system of train control herein described comprises in principle, whatever the detail construction, the combination of a track element under control of a wayside signal system preferably conditioned by traffic movement, and a vehicle-carried element intermittently registering with the track element in such fashion as to form inductively a magnetic couple whenever the track element is in an active, or stop, condition at the time of such registration, to initiate, by a change of flux in the receiver or the couple, an automatic application of the brakes, and it is evident that this combination may be effected in various forms without changing the principle of operation.

Suitable means for automatically applying the brakes under the control of the normally closed contact 57 on the receiver are indicated (Figs. 5 and 6) by the symbol U. This matter has already been referred to in the preceding description to which reference may be had without repetition at this point. lhus, for example, referring to the aforesaid Patent No. 1,581,094, the normally closed receiver contact 57 hereof may be considered the normally closed contact 451 of the patent.

The track magnet referred to is preferably under the automatic control of a wayside signal system either by the distant relay or the signal arm or both. It is here specifically illustrated, Figs. 8 to 17 inclusive, as under the control of the distant relay by means of a contact governed thereby in series with a battery, the two being in series with the coils 53 53.

The condition of the track magnet is shown as active when the signal arm (or upper arm where overlap is used) is not in clear (vertical) position. All of the track magnets are of similar unit strength and effective to initiate impulses in the locomotive receivers at all train speeds even if the train is standing still. For clarity of illustration the track magnets are shown installed on a double track rail road divided into signal blocks and equipped with electrically actuated caution and danger, or distant and home, signals, the direction of traffic being from left to right in the figures. The track magnet is illustrated as just to the rear of the caution signal at the entrance to every block, about 50 feet in the rear of thebeginning of the block it protects.

It will be understood that under special conditions, as on sidings, crossovers, or on interlocked territory the location of the track magnet will be varied in accordance with conditions there obtaining. Generally speaking but subject to exceptions, the track magnet would be placed where caution signals should be given.

lVhen in position the track magnet should be properly protected and guarded against accidental external injury, in such a manner as indicated for example in Sprague British Patent 18,213 of 1915.

The actual conditions and relation of the relays to the signal and inter-connecting cir-, cuits, as well as the track relays, are not shown, as these are familiar to all signal engineers and the detail practice of installation varies on different railroads. It is evident that the connections of one or "the other of the magnets may be carried through a plurality of relays, and through contacts operated by the signal'blades to effect any particularly desired limitations.

Looking now at the specific layout of track conditions herein illustrated the following observations are to be noted.

Fig. 8 illustrates a locomotive L at the rear of block A about to enter block B, and another locomotive L in block D at the entrance thereof. Under these conditions'it will be seen, by reference to the indications of the threeposition signal arm, that the signal is at clear at the beginning of block B, giving warrant for proceeding at'full speed, and that its corresponding track magnet 50 is inactive; that the signal at the beginning of block C is at caution, and its corresponding track magnet active; and that the signal at the beginning of block D is at stop and its corresponding track magnet active. The block D is protected by two track magnets, one near the end of block B and the other near the end of block C. So long as the locomotive L remains in block D and this condition of track magnets and wayside signals persists the 10- comotive L should be permitted to advance into block B in accordance with the clear signal at the beginning of that block and its corresponding inactive track magnet.

With the track clear ahead the conditions set up in block C by the entrance of the locomotive L into block D, i. e., the setting of the signal at the beginning of block D at Stop and the rendering active of its corresponding track magnet near the end of block C, are established when the forward wheels of the locomotive Lstraddle the rails of block D and shunt out the corresponding track relays. A similar condition arises respecting locomotive L in passing from block A into block B. This is illustrated in Fig. 9, in which the locomotive L has partly entered block B, has set the signal at the beginning of block B to stop and rendered active the track magnet 50 near the end of block A. The receiver 55 in locomotive L is forward of the track magnet 50 and as shown will not be afiected thereby.

The transition conditions, therefore, are all important. I have illustrated this on a larger scale in Figs. 10 and 11.

In Fig. 10 the locomotive L is approaching the entrance of block B, and the receiver 55 is in the rear of the track magnet. In Fig. 11, however, the forward wheels of the locomotive are justentering block B and the signal is set at Stop, with consequent activation of the track magnet 50. Under these circumstances if the receiver had not passed over the track magnet the locomotive would get an automatic brake application when it did pass, despitethe fact that it has been proceeding under a clear signal-in short, it would have stepped on its own toes.

But the condition of operation requires that locomotive L shall pass clear, and hence if the receiver is in the rear of the forward wheels at say distance a, the distance 5 from the sig nal joint to the track magnet should be greater than the distance a from the forward wheels of the locomotive to the receiver, unless there is such a delay in action as to permit shortening up of this distance. Since, however, trains at all speeds must be permimtted to proceed under a clear signal without unnecessary automatic braking this interdependence of distances or relations should rule.

It will be apparent that as the distance from the forward wheels of the truck to the receiver on the locomotive is diminished the distance of the track element in rear of the signal joint may likewise be lessened. If for example, the receiver is carried directly over the front axle the track element may be placed very near the signal joint, and it may 7 be placed at such joint if the receiver is carried in advance of the forward wheels, as for,

example under the pilot. The above suggestion of placing the track magnet at a distance of about 50 feet in the rear of the beginning of the block it protects should therefore be understood as illustrative of a location of the track magnet permitting the mounting of the receiver on the locomotive as may be desired. The term locomotive is not used in a limited sense, but is intended to cover any complete motor unitas for example a steam engine and its tender.

Generally speaking, therefore, under all rircumstances, at the moment of the shortcircuiting of the rails by the forward wheels of the vehicle the receiver on the locomotive must be so situated that it will pass over a resulting from such entrance can affect the receiver, regardless of speed.

Of course, as here illustrated the conditioning of track elements 50 to stop will be effected by any shunting of the track circuit by the wheels of a locomotive in either of the advance blocks, regardless of whether 'it is Standing still or moving, and likewise regardless of the heading of the locomotive or its direction of movement. The controlling action and conditions established are therefore not limited to one-way movement on double t ack railroads but will equally govern for two-way movement on a single track.

This requires some cooperative relation in the placingof the track impulse devices and the receivers and to this end a symmetrical arrangement is preferred in which all of the track impulse devices and the receiving devices are placed respectively on the longitudinal center of the track and the train in such relation that a cooperative registration is provided for with the locomotive headed in either direction. This provides for a minimum of track and locomotive equipment. 7 Figs. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate the condition when there are trains in advance of a moving train. In Fig. 12, for example, locomotive L in block A as it proceeds will encounter an active track magnet at the end of its blockbecause of the presence of a train in the secondblocl: C in advance, which occupancy has progress of a train running with a clear signal and normal blocks into the next block in advance.

In Fig. 15 the signal is clear, the track magnet 50 for block B near the end of block A is inactive, and locomotive L is in the rear of both signal track joints and track magnet 50. The signal at the beginning of block C is at caution and the track magnet near the end of block B is in active condition, on the assumption that there is a train in the block next succeeding block C.

In Fig. 16 the forward wheels of the locomotive are about to enter the advance block buthave not yetmade contact with its rails. The receiver, however, has already passed over the corresponding track magnet, which is still inactive. V

In Fig. 17 the wheels have advanced beyond the signal track'joints, the signal has been set at Stop, and the corresponding track magnet is also active but the locomotive receiver has passed this magnet.

Figs. 18 to 28 show, on a five block section, various typicalconditions which may exist on a standard railroad operating ordinarily with one-way traflic and protected by a normalrdanger system of fixed wayside signals which because of shortness of blocks, density of traffic and high speed of trains requires a reaigguard overlap. The regular signalsS are of the three-position blade type, the additional signal blades T being tor special indications.

WVith this system are shown the corresponding track magnets which are also under trafiic control, and normally at Stop, beingcleared, as arethe signals, as a train proceeds alongthe track.

Extended descriptions are unnecessary inasmuch as the corresponding conditions of wayside signals and track: magnets are clearly indicated. Generally speaking, it will be notedjthat in all cases there is a track magnet in the rear of the signal joint at the beginning of the block which it is to protect, thatfthis magnet-is in proceed position only when the nextsignal Sinadvance and nearest to it is at clear, and thatwhen a signal is at either; Caution or Stop the application magnetis also at Stop. It is also to be noted that there may bertwo caution signals in advanceof a clear signal andtwo clear signals in advance. of a locomotive, and that even when the line is clear in rear ofa movin train, .aswell as in the distant blocks ahead of it, thesignalsand likewise the magnets remain at Stop. This'is because a normal danger system of signals is used-that is, onein which all signals normally are in a stop position, and are set by a free runninglocomotive ,to clear and caution indications in the blocks immediately in advance provided there is no other train near by.

Referring specifically to the figures:

Fig. '18 shows a single locomotive L in block B, which has set the signal and track magnet in its rear at Stop, and has cleared the signal in block C, withits corresponding track magnet 50 near the end of block B, whilethe signals for blocks D and E are at caution and the corresponding track magnets are active.

In Fig. 19 locomotive L has proceeded into block ;C;over track magnet 50 near the end of block B in proce'edcondition, but now the signals and track magnets in its rearare at Stop, whilethe signals next in advance, those for block D and E, have been cleared because no trainis withindanger distance in advance.

@In ifFig. .20 locomQtive L has advanced into block and all signals and the corresponding track magnets in .the rear are at Stop, but that covering block E has cleared and this track magnet 50 nearthe end" of block D is in proceed condition.

In Fig. 21 locomotive L has advanced into block E and all signals and the track magnets controlled thereby in its rear are active.

Fig. 22 shows two locomotives, L in block A, and L in advance of it in block D. There being no locomotive within danger distance ahead of locomotive L its signal S and the corresponding track magnet 50 are at clear, or proceed, but the signal for block D is at Stop and those for blocks B and C areat Caution, the corresponding track magnets nearthe ends of the next blocks B and A in therear being active.

In .Fig. 23 locomotive L has advanced into block B, although ithaspassedover a live trackmagnet near the endeof block A, where it-has received a braking impulse. -It has set the signal in its rearat'Stop, andthe corresponding track magnet near the end of block A hasheen continued in active condition. The track magnets between locomotives Land L, controlled in accordancezwiththe signals at Caution and Stop, are active, while-that immediately in advance of locomotive L is inactive.

In Fig. 24 locomotives Land L are shown in blocks A and E respectively, but while the signals in the rear of locomotive L for blocks E, D and C show respectively-Stop, Caution andCaution, with the corresponding track magnets-active, the signal S of block B and thetrack magnet 50' at :the end of block A controlled in accordance therewith have been cleared and locomotive L isfree to move oninto block'rB.

In Fig. 25 locomotive L has proceeded throughblock B into block C, passing over an activeitrack magnet near the end of block B. It is now opposedby a caution and stop signal and by the active track magnets.

Fig. 26 shows threelocomotives, in blocks A,.C and E respectively, 'locomotive'L with a caution and a stop signal andtwo active track magnets against it, and locomotive L witha similar condition ahead of it.

In Fig. 27 locomotive L of .Fig. 26 has moved forward into the next block and signal S of block E has goneto Caution, but the two track magnets in advance of locomotive L are still active.

In Fig. 28, which corresponds with Fig. 27 in that locomotives 'L .and L are shown as in blocks A and;C,.the signal S of block D andthe corresponding track magnet 50 near the end of block C are at clear or proceed, on the assumption that locomotive L of Fig. 19 has-moved forward another block.

In Figure 29 the energizing circuit for the neutralizing coil 53 and the extra coil 58 (forthe latter only for the halves of the coil towards the front of the drawing) is' shown. 7

In Fig. 30 the control of the distant relay D at the entrance of block B by the home relay H of the advance block (at the entrance of block C) is indicated.

In a normal clear system the signals ahead of a moving train show similarly as here illustrated between trains at a suitable distance from each other, Clear being the normal signal, set at Stop and then to Caution and Clear as a locomotive moves on.

lVhile the illustrations given in the preceding description have, for definiteness, been determined as they would obtain in a normal danger signal system, they are equally adapt.- able to a normal clear system, for with either type of signal system the track magnets may be operated, if desired, upon a normal danger system in so far as they themselves are concerned.

In all the combinations shown in the various track figures it will be noted that a train is always protected by at least two, and sometimes by even three or four active track magnets, according to the amount of overlap, although there is but one magnet in each block. Protection by at least two magnets is desirable for safe operation, and as there is only one magnet installed per block two active magnets in the rear of an occupied block should be provided for by some interlocking system.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding, and no undue limitations should be deduced therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

Having thus described'my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In an automatic train control system for railroads having tracks divided into blocks each provided with a normally closed rack circuit, a trackway element near the end 01 each block comprising a permanently magnetized yoke disposed crosswise of the track and having projections afiording a leakage path for flux, coils associated with the yoke and adapted when energized to divert the permanent flux through the leakage path and thereby neutralize the external field above the yoke, a source of current and an enrgized circuit for the coils of each track element controlled by the track circuit of the block next in advance of the corresponding block, a car element comprising spaced flux collecting pole pieces arranged to pass over the yoke of the track element, a biased armature adapted to be attracted in opposition to its bias by flux from the track element through said pole pieces, and means for antomatically applying the brakes governed by said armature.

2. A track element for train control systems comprising a permanently magnetized yoke disposed crosswise of the track and having'horizontally disposed pole pieces near the level of the track rails, said yoke having projections in the plane of said yoke aiiording a leakage path of lower reluctance than between said pole pieces, coils between the pole pieces and said projections, and traffic controlled means for energizing said coils whereby the permanent flux of the yoke is diverted through the leakage path and the external field above the pole pieces is neutralized when said coils are energized under clear traflic conditions.

8. A compound magnet consisting of pole pieces and a permanently magnetized yoke, the pole pieces comprising stabilizing poles approaching each other in the plane of the yoke and working poles with neutralizing coils thereon projecting from the plane of the yoke.

4. In a train control system, as a means for imparting impulses from the right of way to the train, a compound magnet having a horizontally disposed permanently magnetized yoke and having pole pieces, the pole pieces comprising horizontally disposed stabilizing poles approaching each other and vertical working poles with neutralizing coils thereon.

5. In a train control system, as a means for imparting impulses from the right of way to the train, a compound magnet having two horizontally disposed permanently magnetized yokes, the like poles of which are connected by pole pieces, the pole pieces having horizontally disposed stabilizing poles approaching each other and vertical working poles with neutralizing coils thereon.

6. A compound magnet consisting of pole pieces and a permanently magnetized yoke, coils on the pole pieces for neutralizing the normal free flux between the pole pieces, and a coil on the permanently magnetized yoke for imparting magnetism thereto.

7. In an automatic train control system, the combination of a unitary track element comprising a plurality of permanent magnets like poles of which are joined to common pole pieces, and means under control of traliic conditions for neutralizing the magnetic flux in the pole pieces and for simultaneously increasing the flux in the permanent magnets.

8. In an automatic train control system, the combination ofa unitary track element comprising a plurality of permanent magnets like poles otwhich are joined to common pole pieces, a leakage path between the poles at part of which is of low reluctance, and means under trafiic control for neutralizing the free magnetic field above the pole pieces and for simultaneously increasing the flux in the permanent magnets and in the leakage path.

9. In an automatictrain control system, the combination of a unitary track element com prising a plurality of permanent magnets symmetrically disposed, like poles of which are joined to common pole pieces, a leakage path composed partly of iron of low reluctance andan air gap in series therewith, and means under traffic control for neutralizing the free magnetic field above the pole pieces and for increasing the flux in the permanent magnets and the leakage path.

' 10. In an automatic train control system, the combination of a unitary track element comprising a plurality of permanent mag-- nets like poles of which terminate in common pole pieces, a leakage path partly of iron connecting the pole pieces to stabilize the permanent magnets, and means under traffic control for simultaneously neutralizing the free magnetic field above the pole pieces and increasing the magnetic flux in the leakage path.

11. In a train control system, as a means for imparting impulses from the right of Way to a train, a compound magnet comprising a plurality of horizontally disposed permanent magnets, the like poles of which areconnected by pole pieces, the pole pieces providing a free field and having horizontally disposed stabilizing poles, and coils associated with the assembly for diverting the flux from the free field through the stabilizing poles and for reinforcing the magnetism of the permanent magnets.

12. In a train control system, vehicle carried devices and trackway devices adapted to form a magnetic couple, said devices including portions which are slotted to prevent the formation of eddy currents.

13. In an inductive train control system, cooperating impulse transmitting elements and impulse receiving elements, located part- 1y on the vehicle and partly on the track, said elements comprising metallic structural members which are slotted to break up eddy currents.

14. In an inductive train control system, impulse transmitting trackway elements and vehicle carried impulse receiving elements, said elements forming together a magnetic couple when brought into a cooperative relation, and means to prevent the formation of eddy currents in said elements when in such relation.

15. In an inductive train control system, car-carried elements and trackway elements coupled with each other by a magnetic flux when brought into cooperative relation, said elements comprising metallic structural parts which are perpendicular to the main direction of the magnetic flux when said elements cooperate, and means to prevent the building up of eddy currents in said structural parts when such cooperation takes place.

Signed at New York, N. Y., this 7th day of May, 1927.

FRANK J. SPRAGUE. 

